Signs Cluttering View of Park

Macomb is facing the same problem the Five Man Electrical Band sang about in 1971: “Signs, Signs, Everywhere there's signs, Blocking out the scenery, Breaking my mind.”

Macomb's issue is with all the signs being hung from the Chandler Park fence. It's a great location to hang a banner because it's right along the highway and across the street from the train depot. Numerous organizations have started placing banners there to promote various causes and events. But the city has a problem with the practice.

“It's not attractive. There's been a lot of money spent to put that beautiful fence there, and I do think it's distracting,” Second Ward Alderwoman Kay Hill said about the banners.

Macomb Mayor Mike Inman and Community Development Coordinator Ed Basch concur. Both say they've received complaints about the banners and how they're blocking the view of the park.

“I think it's a concern out there and I would suspect that many on the council have received similar concerns,” said Inman.

Basch said there were also concerns about the possibility of someone using wire or another abrasive material to hang banners, which could damage the fence's finish.

After a bit of discussion during this week's Committee of the Whole meeting, Inman said the city will no longer allow signs on the fence. He directed Basch's office and the police department to enforce the rule.